ALFRED — Rachel V. Sherman, 50, of Sanford, says her background in records management, accounting, familiarity with Maine Statutes, Maine Title Standards and other factors will stand her in good stead in her bid for York County Register of Deeds.

Sherman will be challenged by fellow Democrat Nancy Hammond for the open seat in the June 12 primary. The winner will face off against Republican Michael Provencher of Waterboro in the November election.

Register Debra Anderson, who has held the position for a number of years, is retiring.

Sherman has worked for York County government for 20 years — nine years as administrative assistant in the York County Commissioners and Treasurer’s Office and 11 years as a legal secretary in the York County District Attorney’s Office.

“(I have) practical experience with the county budget process and the various county policies as well as historical knowledge of past practices, and am well-versed in municipal and labor law,” said Sherman. “My experience extends to grant writing and reporting.”

She said she received state-wide recognition for her advocacy for county government and its employees during the county’s financial crisis a decade ago.

Sherman moved to York County 23 years ago. Divorced, she raised four children on her own. She has three grandchildren. She is working toward a master’s degree in public administration, specializing in county government.

She has been president and steward of MSEA Local 1297, which represents the county’s clerical and maintenance workers, for the past 10 years, and has held leadership positions with the Southern Maine Labor Council, York County Emergency Response Rescue Team, Louis B Goodall Memorial Library, the Red & White Foundation that supports extracurricular school organizations in Sanford, and the Sanford-Springvale Music Association.

She has volunteered with Caring Unlimited, York County Shelter Programs, as a Cub master and a co-leader of a Venturing Crew, among other volunteer gigs.

The Register of Deeds has a number of responsibilities, she said.

“The Register of Deeds is a management position that is responsible for the oversight of the registry staff, collection, disbursement, and accounting of transfer taxes and fees, development and implementation of the budget, and protection and preservation of the various documents and plans recorded at the registry, ensuring their safety, security and accuracy,” she said. “Additionally, it is the register’s responsibility to create and maintain a professional and courteous environment for those utilizing the registry’s resources. I also hope to create partnerships with organizations that make use of the registry’s vast historical records and provide space for learning opportunities.”

When asked why she believes she is the best person for the job, Sherman said, “I am deeply passionate about county government and public service. I have spent the past 20 years learning about the various processes within county government.”

She said she attends most county commission and budget committee meetings to keep current with the finance and policy trends.

“It is necessary to have an understanding of not only the needs of the Registry of Deeds, but of all of the county departments and how they affect each other,” Sherman said. “I have a deep respect for the magnitude of the job at hand and the responsibilities it entails. What the registry needs is strong leadership and that is something I can provide.”

The elected Register of Deeds serves a four year term. The annual salary set by York County Commissioners for newly elected officials sets the salary for the full-time register position at $40,000 to $55,000 annually, though commissioners may make adjustments.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.